A new film directed by Josephine Stewart-Te Whiu, We Were Dangerous, will have its world premiere in Austin, Texas at the South by Southwest Film Festival (SXSW).

Stewart-Te Whiu, of Ngāpuhi and Te Rarawa, was one of nine Māori filmmakers on Waru in 2017. Executive producers of We Were Dangerous include Taika Waititi, Carthew Neal, Bill Way, Elliott Whitton and Emily Gotto. It was written by Maddie Dai, with additional writing by Stewart-Te Whiu.

The film tells the fictional story of three friends Nellie, Lou and Daisy who attend an institution for delinquent girls on an isolated island. The trio rail against the system, finding strength in their friendship. But this is challenged when the school’s matron divides them.

“It is a huge privilege to be premiering at an international festival that celebrates unique voices and energetic cinema. Some of my favourite films have premiered there, so to follow in their path with our story that celebrates female sisterhood is a dream come true. I can’t wait to share what we have made with the world” said Stewart-Te Whiu.

Produced for Piki Films by Morgan Waru (Ngāti Porou) and Polly Fryer, the film will be distributed by Madman and Piki Films in New Zealand, and by Madman in Australia.